Confidence

Experiencing a wedding from the outside is intriguing.  You can sense the uncertainty mixed with hope.  You can feel the commitment tempered by the unknown.  You celebrate yet wonder about what life will bring for the couple just beginning their journey.  It is wonderful, beautiful, chaotic, and awe inspiring all at the same time!
 
This past weekend, it was my privilege to share a wedding with two friends.  If was as if God has extended Divinity’s hand to arrange the perfect setting.  The sun was bright, warm, and soothing.  The flowers and gardens reflected the love and care poured into them for years by the mother and father of the groom.  Even the sea cooperated, setting the ideal backdrop for the outdoor ceremony.  As the standing room only crowd waited in anticipation, the energy was extraordinary. 
 
In hindsight, I am not sure what I expected.  I do know that as I opened myself to the experience, I found myself increasingly part of a story that I will never forget.  I know the shape of my memories will come from something greater than the incredible food, great friends, and perfect setting.  At the heart of the experience will be the mysterious dynamic that comes from two people in love.  Two moments crystallized his and her approach. 
 
The first came with the when the groom was first ask to speak.  One expected a degree of bumbling, hesitant, nervousness.  To the contrary, the groom spoke the words as if they came out of a canon.  He wanted the word to know his intent.  He wanted his bride to hear his willingness to put everything on the table.  She knew and so did every witness.
 
The second came in her response.  In her way, she matched his commitment word for word.  She brought all that she had, gave this and more, to the wedding ceremony.  Her eyes screamed to anyone willing to listen; “My champion is right here.  Let's take our stand together!  Who dares bring suit against?  Let him try!”  (Isaiah 50.8) 
 
Less anyone forget, we are God’s bride.